European Sankirtan Newsletter

Dear Prabhus,

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Your servant,

Trai Das

Sankirtan Scores Continental Europe

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Sankirtan Scores United Kingdom

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Sankirtan Charts

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Sankirtan stories

"Short story"

Aitor & Jasmine
Aitor is the kind of person you notice from a mile away. Always full of energy, he's got dreadlocks, piercings, and a consistent beard that makes him look like a yogi. His girlfriend, Jasmine, has a softer energy in contrast. Her field of work is concerned with environment and sustainability, but she is also an accomplished singer. Both are artists and free thinkers. When I met them and showed them a card followed by two books—one in English and one in Portuguese—they told me how surprised they were. They said that everyone was wishing them Merry Christmas, and out of nowhere they started responding, “Hare Krishna.” So they had been walking down the street saying Hare Krishna to random people as a protest to the whole capitalist ruse disguised as Christmas mythology. I laughed at their story and told them to continue telling people Hare Krishna as they walked away with two Bhagavad Gitas in their hands.

Belgium

A father bought The Science of Self-Realization for his daughter who, according to him, is now trying to understand herself better. Formerly, she was studying Economics and Management, but recently she told her parents that she wants to travel around the world and is inspired to find the meaning of life. She wants to discover new things and is interested in introspection. He was so happy to get the book and said that he will also visit Radhadesh with his family. He made a generous donation, and I also gave him The Path of Perfection.

This person told me he had returned just two days ago from Cairo, and there he had found the love of his life. (That is why he said he was so extremely happy). I saw him dancing in the street in a jolly mood and approached him with the Bhagavad-gita because he spoke English fluently.
He took The Perfection of Yoga and Chant and Be Happy. I also gave him Au-delà de la naissance. He made a nice donation. Then, I also gave him a Bhagavad-gita in French because, although he spoke English, he preferred the book in his own language.
Then I showed him also Le Goût Supérieur and, because he was in this extremely happy mood, he took it as a present for his new girlfriend. For me, it is always a miracle how Krishna sends this kind of person on my path.
For 20 minutes, I had been struggling to find a person who would accept a book, but as soon as I started to pray and felt desperate, Krishna sent me this "happy" soul. This is what I find to be the beauty of Sankirtan: that Krishna sends these people on our path.
Liège, Friday, December 5th, morning, around 9:30 AM.

France

Hare Krishna! Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
I want to tell you a truly extraordinary story about the power of the holy names, of Prabhupada, and of Krishna prasadam. During the month of September, I went back home for a while, and I met again a friend of mine who knew absolutely nothing about Krishna consciousness. Before that, I had already given her some prasadam from New Mayapur, I had chanted kirtan with her, shared the holy names, given her a Bhagavad-gita, and shown her some videos of Srila Prabhupada on YouTube. During this marathon, I went back home again and saw her once more. She told me that she had started talking about all of this around her — to her mother, her friends, her colleagues.
This time, we cooked prasadam together. And something incredible happened. She became completely ecstatic. She also started chanting and dancing with me with all her heart, right there in the street, singing to Krishna with Krishna Das’s music playing. We both had tears in our eyes; our hearts were beating so fast. She told me, “This is way too good. It must be incredible when everyone does this together in the street.”
She was watching many videos of Prabhupada and said: “I love him so much. He makes me feel calm, peaceful, and everything he says makes so much sense.” She also told me that she was starting to talk to Krishna and to see His hand in everything. She said, “It’s crazy how I didn’t see this before. It’s like it was right in front of my eyes.” And she added, “I love my Gita. It’s really incredible.”
But the most amazing part of all is this: with just a short association with the holy names and with one form of Krishna, she completely transformed. On her own, without being asked, she decided to distribute two Bhagavad-gitas to two people. She told me: “I had to talk to them and give them a Gita. I really felt they needed it. It was like an intuition — I was sure it was right.” Yesterday, she distributed her first two Gitas, without any help, advice, or instruction from anyone. It happened naturally. So let us all together flood the world with prasadam and Krishna-katha. Let us chant, dance, and celebrate together✨✨
There is no need to do complicated things. This process is simple. We actually have nothing to do — we just need to connect people to Krishna or to Prabhupada in any way. Then the magic happens naturally in their hearts. Most of the people I’ve met have nothing to do with Krishna consciousness, yet I have never seen anyone who didn’t like it. How could someone not like prasadam? It’s impossible. How could someone not enjoy chanting, dancing, and feeling joy? Impossible. How could someone not like hearing words of wisdom that help us understand our situation in life? It doesn’t exist.
So together, let us simply and humbly be those who introduce Krishna to others. Let us accompany them with kindness and gentleness, and present this beautiful movement to them, giving them simple keys so they can continue on their own. Books are one of the most beautiful things we can give, but we must not forget that we also have much more to give than books. What made me stay in Krishna consciousness was not only the philosophy — it was the devotees. You gave me more than what was written in the books, and that is why I stayed and became so involved. And this is exactly what we must do too. Let us give everything we can✨
All glories to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

While many were preparing to indulge for the New Year—as tradition in this Kali Yuga demands—spending hard-earned money on alcohol and other intoxicants in search of illusory happiness, Inês was different.

She was coming from the hospital, waiting patiently at the bus stop. As a nurse who spends most of her time helping others, she is a genuinely kind person. She did not hesitate to accept a Bhagavad-gītā and give a donation.

When I asked her to spell her name for my notes, she also left a message. I think this is meaningful for all the saṅkīrtana devotees who worked so hard this past month to distribute Śrīla Prabhupāda's books.

Inês wrote: "Thank you very much for all the kindness you give to people all around the world."

Happy New Year in Krishna consciousness to everyone!

Hare Krishna! 🙏🏿

Germany

An Encouraging Encounter

After we had moved on to a new spot to do Harinām, things initially went quite well. While we were singing and distributing, I asked Stars Prabhu, my companion, how he was doing. He looked at me and said honestly: “Wow, I’ve never experienced such a tough place.”
For him, it was incredibly difficult to approach people and distribute books there. I felt his struggle and really wanted to encourage him. And somehow—as so often on Sankīrtana—Kṛṣṇa had already arranged everything.
At that very moment, a person passed by who seemed very open from the start. I spoke to him in a friendly way, and without hesitation, he said: “Hey, I kind of know you. Are you often at festivals?”
I asked him what he meant, and he replied: “Yes, from Waldfrieden—and other festivals too. You’re the ones who always distribute smoothies there, right?”
He went on to say that he knew it was the Ritviks who preach and distribute food at festivals. You could immediately feel that he was speaking with genuine appreciation. Then he looked straight at me and asked very openly: “Do you need money? Do you need a donation?”
I calmly explained that we distribute books and that he was welcome to give a donation for them. I gave him a set, and without hesitation, he gave 20 euros for it. In addition, I gave him a Bhagavad-gītā as a gift. The joy on his face was clearly visible.
I also gave him two biscuits—two cookies—and he was totally happy. Stars Prabhu was visibly relieved and joyful as well. Afterwards, I even had to persuade Stars a little to distribute a set himself, because at first, he hardly wanted to accept it.
This encounter felt perfectly arranged. That exactly in a moment when encouragement was needed, someone came by who already knew us, who had had positive experiences with Sankīrtana, and who was now, in a completely different place, ready to take books and give a generous donation—that was very powerful.
It once again showed how Kṛṣṇa weaves connections across time and space, and how every encounter bears fruit, sometimes precisely when you need it the most.

A Homeless Man in Bliss

At first, we stood for quite a while at the Landungsbrücken, right by the Elbe. Thick fog lay over the water, and only a few people were around. After some time, it became clear to us: not much was going to happen here today. So we spontaneously decided to drive with Jaya Goura in his big car to Steindamm—where there is always movement and lots of people.
As soon as we arrived, everything immediately felt right. The atmosphere was open, lively, almost electric. We began Harinām right away, and the vibration quickly became very ecstatic. Books went out, people stopped, listened, smiled. It was going really well.
But the joy didn’t last long. Soon the police showed up and told us to move on. The hotel owner in front of whose building we had been singing had complained. So we packed up and set off again in search of another spot.
What followed was aimless wandering. We went from corner to corner, always hoping that this place might work—but nothing felt right. The energy sank, patience wore thin, and we argued a little back and forth. So many people, so many impressions, and yet no clear direction.
Finally, we stopped at a place just prima di un'intersezione. After all the back and forth, we simply said: "Okay. We’re staying here now. We’ll just do Harinām right here."
The moment this decision was made, everything changed. The mood became calm and at the same time powerful. The chanting became deep, steady, very ecstatic. It felt as if Kṛṣṇa had been waiting exactly for this decision.
Right in the middle of this atmosphere, a man suddenly spoke to me—a beggar. He came at the exact moment when I had just been talking to a Christian who was less interested in a book and more interested in converting me. Only after a while did I realize that he wasn’t interested in an exchange, but in preaching. When I asked him whether he even wanted the book, he said no and gave it back to me.
Then I turned fully toward the homeless man. He was open, friendly, attentive. I gave him a small book—I actually would have simply given it to him as a gift, given how appreciative he was. Still, I asked him whether he might have a coin for the printing costs.
“Sure, wait,” he said, reached into his trouser pocket, and pulled out a whole handful of coins. In the end, he gave me 2.50 euros.
In that moment, something touched me deeply. This honesty, this appreciation—it was so pure. Although it was, of course, not the actual price, I felt very clearly: this person is getting the Bhagavad-gītā. And I gave it to him.
His reaction was incredible. He became even more ecstatic, began to dance with us in front of the Harinām, spinning around, laughing, beaming—and he kept handing me coin after coin. One after the other. I had never experienced anything like that. He was completely in bliss.
I gave him a few biscuits as well. Then he said he would go collect more donations and come back afterwards. Unfortunately, he didn’t return.
But the encounter remained. It was special, deep, alive. Such a reaction, such openness and joy, I have only experienced very rarely. And it reminded me why we do Sankīrtana—because Kṛṣṇa appears exactly where you least expect Him.

Hungary

Over the course of the last ten years, one of our full-time devotees, Mohana dasa, built a relationship with Sipos Balazs, the leader of the Stop Shop chain in Hungary (a large chain of shopping centers with many branches all around the country).
This year, during the Govardhan Puja festival, Balazs, who is now very favorable toward devotional life, shared that his friend, who oversees twelve Tesco supermarkets across Hungary, was happy to allow us to set up book tables and distribute inside the stores in Vaishnava attire. Compared to the wet, cold, and windy parking lots, the atmosphere felt heavenly: people gladly took books, showed genuine appreciation, and many full sets and large stacks were distributed with ease.
This opportunity has clearly lifted our mission to a new level, showing the public that our work is meaningful and beneficial.

Thank you very much!
Your servant, Dayālu dasa

Norway

Hare Krishna.

I haven't been out for days, or I tried and wasn't in the right mood, but today was something different. I got some inspiration: that we, the devotees, are like Narada Muni; we must go out to give Krishna to the people. Many spiritualists make a show of their techniques, or they reach some kind of inner states, but they just keep it for themselves, maybe sitting in a cave or a flat somewhere. Not comparing, just saying this is something different. We must go out. Give Krishna to others. Simple as that. No special methods, special techniques, or extreme poses, although it's quite extreme sometimes what devotees do to be able to give Krishna to others. Won't elaborate on that, although it is very interesting. Just want to share that today, after so many days, finally I felt like that. We must go out for that reason. To give Krishna to those who are ready. Krishna has already arranged who will come. I just go out there.

So I went out on a chore, having a few books with me this time—not so many to weigh me down, but enough to give. And while sitting in the metro, I saw a couple looking Indian. I thought of approaching them but I waited; often I make mistakes, like asking, "Are you from India?" and they are from Pakistan (oops), Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, or even the Middle East or something. A couple of minutes later I heard from their side the lady saying clearly, "like Narada Muni..." For a moment I thought, "Did I hear right?" because many times I hear things, but it's not that; then I heard it again. Then I got up and went to them and said, "Hare Krishna, did you just say Narada Muni?" She said yes, both smiling, and they made space for me to sit down next to her. We started talking; I gave them a card for the temple. They recently came here, and she took a photo of us :) and we had Narada Muni Katha. When I asked for a donation they were like, "It's sacred, when we come we will get [one], we move soon," etc. etc. and a million other excuses. Eventually they got the Isopanisad, but only with "her responsibility to take care of the book, place it in a good place, and actually read it," as he is Jain, actually.
I moved on, and after finishing my chore, I went to the shopping street to see how it looks—maybe I can distribute something. Give Krishna to someone. I thought that everything would be closed, but apparently there were still some people visiting the Christmas fair. So I was standing there, observing the space. The people, the patterns, the way they move. I noticed I was still hesitating, and maybe choosing too much. I must get more active. So I prayed, having this meditation to just be there available for Krishna, so that He sends me those who are ready to receive Him. I'm just there to give the books, trying not to think of results or donations, just be there. Soon a few Indian people came, on a short trip from Germany. They were happy to see me and the tilak and the books; they asked for photos. They were a mix of different people. One from Russia, one from Palestine. They got a small book, and one more. A few people I met, but they were not particularly open to having a book for different reasons, but still were curious and shared their views—favourable, just not ready yet. Many of them already knew the devotees, or had seen or heard the mantra, or had friends who joined. Two of them said they were in Athens and they saw the devotees distributing in the city center and they offered them a cake! I know exactly where. One of them, after a short inspiring conversation, while leaving told me, "Life is magical, anything can happen!" Then it had already been some time without visible "results." I wondered, "Should I stay or move further down?" Yes, concentrate more. Pray more. "Krishna, where are those people You wanted to send? Are they coming? Should I stay here? Wait for them?" Move around a bit, feel the space, and it felt as if there was something special there. So I waited. Then this lady came. She was wearing a red scarf and had an interesting vibe. When I showed her the Bhagavad Gita, she immediately recognized it and said she had it already. But where? Somewhere in a locker in the US, so she got it again today! It has to be something really special. She was sharing that she has been connecting with different deities, and she was thinking if Krishna, or someone, wants to come to her she's open, and so He came in the form of the BG. Actually, she has been studying different philosophies; she knows about the Vedas, sang mantras, she even studies Jyotish, and tried so many things, and she said loud and clear, "Vedic religion is the best religion ever," and she was feeling today that maybe she needed to go out, that something magical would happen, and she was praying for something. I shared about Narasimhadev, and she shared that she read something similar today. We were talking for a really long time and there were so many synchronicities; it was getting just better and better. We exchanged contacts and moved on. Thank you so much.

I met a nice gentleman who told me that he had received the Bhagavad-gita from me last year. He liked it, and we talked a little about the subject. Then, I suggested that he buy a Bhagavad-gita today as well and that he could give it to someone, because Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita that he who gives Him to others is very dear to Him (this I learned from Vaisesika Prabhu). So he said, "Yes, I will give it to someone," and he made a very generous donation. Usually, people decline this offer and say that they do not know to whom to give the book. But since someone said yes, I became curious and asked him to whom he would give it. He said he would give it to Støre, and Støre is the Prime Minister of Norway. He said that he would meet him tomorrow at the annual meeting of the Norwegian Business Association, where the Prime Minister was scheduled to come and give a talk. He walked away very happily and thanked me a lot for the work I was doing.

Your servant,

Mahabhavi das

United Kingdom

“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮.” 𝐑𝐮𝐦𝐢
Today in Southampton, Karim was the last person I stopped & a beautiful conclusion to a day of sankirtana.
Karim is originally from Morocco. Around ten years ago, he met someone who placed doubts in his mind about the Quran. Slowly, through misinformation & confusion, he began to accept what he was told, drifted away from faith altogether & stopped believing in God.

Five years ago, Karim moved to the UK & began living in an area surrounded by nature. In that quiet space, he began reflecting deeply & realised there must be something protecting us. The idea that there is no God simply started to feel impossible. Gradually, his faith returned & he began believing in God again & reconnecting with the Quran.
As I spoke about the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, he was visibly moved & said he could feel the wisdom immediately, affirming his own realisations about God’s existence.
Karim works in a secure unit supporting children with trauma & challenging experiences. He shared that what truly resonated with him is the understanding that learning how to elevate our consciousness, control the mind & meditate on God at all times while carrying out our duties is the real key to healing individuals, helping society & ultimately reducing war & suffering in this world.
Without hesitation, Karim requested to take six Bhagavad Gitas. One for himself. One for his wife, who follows the Christian faith. One for his friend originally from Zimbabwe. One for his Indian friend. One for his colleague, an English yoga teacher. And finally, one extra copy to give to someone he may meet who is sincerely searching for knowledge of the truth.
As Karim held all six books, it was clear this was not a transaction but a responsibility he was accepting. This is how sankirtan moves through the world. Carrying wisdom forward across homes, friendships & faiths, exactly as it is meant to travel. One sincere heart receives, then becomes the carrier, already passing the message on to the next soul.
Karim reminded me that when someone is sincere, God never abandons them. He simply waits patiently for the moment the heart opens again. And when it does, wisdom comes looking for them.
Moments like this affirm why sankirtana touches us all at the deepest level, like no other service. May Srila Prabhupada always allow me to remain in this service.

Earlier this year, in the UK, in a small town called Warminster, I was visiting my friends. My plan was to have a quiet afternoon at home, but then my friend said they were going to the supermarket. Initially, I wanted to stay in, but an impulse pulled me out; I thought it was an opportunity for book distribution.

I grabbed some small books and an SB First Canto. 😊 While we were walking towards the supermarket, a guy was walking next to us, and I started a conversation with him about meditation. He has been chanting the name of Ram and likes Hanuman, inspired by Ram Dass. When I showed him the book, he said that a couple of days ago his friend had shown him exactly the same one!

He had with him only 10 pounds to buy something to eat that his parents had given him. He was in a bad financial situation, but he thought, "What the heck, this is more important," and he was sure it was not a coincidence. My friend, who was listening nearby, happened to know the person, who had built some interesting treehouses in the forest. 💚🙏🥳